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Exteriors

What to Look for in Inspecting Foreclosures

When you first are inspecting the exteriors of foreclosures,notice it's good or bad curb appeal, the first glance a prospective buyer gets at a home, Grass, landscaping, condition of sidewalks, etc, all add or detract from that appeal.

Siding- if wood, how’s the paint, even by wood windows, will you have to paint the siding, all peeling paint needs to be repaired; too much may require a full outside painting. Note that some vinyl siding and most aluminum siding may be painted, and can be sprayed

Windows- are they replacement or original, if original are they newer than 1978 to avoid lead paint concerns, are the storms and screens there, any peeling paint, cracked glass, or loose and missing glazing will need to be cared for. (We will discuss Lead Paint abatement in another section)

Doors that Lead Outside- are they truly made for this application or are they wood, some may have to be replaced, most screen doors on these homes are already damaged,

Foundations- look for loose block, cracks in poured foundations, drainage, does all landscaping lead water away from home, signs of any infestation by termites or carpenter ants, (one thing I do recommend even if you think you are the Person who inspects their own home, is to get a Professional Termite inspection, with a year guarantee)

That’s briefly what to look at on the outside. Part Two will take a look at the inside.

Roof- no sagging, if composition shingles, is there any curling, missing shingles, loose or rotting soffit and fascia, if metal will it need repair, paint, note that the roof when you sell should have 3-5 years life left in it or it should be new, what shape are gutters in, etc.
Siding- if wood, how’s the paint, even by wood windows, will you have to paint the exterior or siding, all peeling paint needs to be repaired; too much may require a full exterior painting. Note that some vinyl siding and most aluminum siding may be painted, and can be sprayed

Windows- are they replacement or original, if original are they newer than 1978 to avoid lead paint concerns, are the storms and screens there, any peeling paint, cracked glass, or loose and missing glazing will need to be cared for. (We will discuss Lead Paint abatement in another section)

Doors- are they true exterior or wood, some may have to be replaced, most screen doors on these homes are already damaged,

Foundations- look for loose block, cracks in poured foundations, drainage, does all landscaping lead water away from home, signs of any infestation by termites or carpenter ants, (one thing I do recommend even if you think you are the Person who inspects their own home, is to get a Professional Termite inspection, with a year guarantee)

That’s briefly what to look at on the outside. Part Two will take a look at the inside.